Environment

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 23, 2026

HB 1153: ENVIRONMENT/ENFORCEMENT: Authorizes parishes and municipalities to declare bans on burning

This bill authorizes Louisiana parishes and municipalities to issue temporary bans on outdoor burning when environmental conditions create a high risk of wildfires. Local governments can enforce these bans through ordinances, resolutions, or emergency proclamations and must provide public notice via websites, social media, and emergency alert systems. The law exempts agricultural burning, prescribed burns, and contained cooking or recreational fires from restrictions. Violations can result in civil fines ranging from $500 to $2,500, and offenders who cause significant property damage or harm to critical infrastructure face criminal penalties including imprisonment and restitution for fire suppression costs. Fire departments and municipal code enforcement officers are authorized to enforce these burn bans alongside traditional law enforcement agencies.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill authorizes bans on outdoor burning to reduce wildfire risk and air pollution, directly protecting environmental quality and public safety.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

passed · Louisiana · House Jun 3, 2026

HR 279: ENERGY: Recognizes the value of geothermal energy development in the state

This resolution formally recognizes geothermal energy as a strategic opportunity for Louisiana, leveraging the state's existing oil and gas expertise to develop this resource. It highlights how the state's workforce, deep well inventory, and infrastructure can support geothermal projects for electricity, industrial heat, and cooling while enhancing energy security. The bill urges state agencies to address current legal and regulatory barriers to make geothermal projects easier to permit, finance, and replicate. While it does not change specific laws immediately, it establishes a policy commitment to create the enabling framework needed for future geothermal development.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill promotes geothermal energy development, leveraging existing infrastructure to enhance energy security and reduce barriers for renewable projects.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes geothermal energy, a clean renewable resource, to enhance energy security and leverage existing infrastructure for sustainable power generation.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · Louisiana · House Jun 3, 2026

HR 314: NATURAL RESOURCES DEPT: Urges and requests the Department of Conservation and Energy to study the implementation of gravel surface mining reclamation and conservation

This resolution from the Louisiana House of Representatives asks the Department of Conservation and Energy to study whether new laws are needed for the cleanup and protection of land after gravel mining. The study will examine specific actions like removing mining equipment, reshaping the land, and replanting vegetation, as well as safety distances from homes and waterways. The department must submit its findings to the House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment before the 2027 legislative session begins.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates a study on gravel mining reclamation, cleanup, and vegetation replanting, indicating intent to protect land and natural resources.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · Louisiana · House Jun 3, 2026

HR 343: CONGRESS: Memorializes Congress to oppose any effort to transfer, divest, privatize, or dispose of Kisatchie National Forest lands or otherwise remove such lands from federal ownership and management

This legislative resolution asks the U.S. Congress to oppose any efforts to transfer, privatize, or remove parts of the Kisatchie National Forest in Grant Parish, Louisiana, from federal ownership. The bill highlights the forest's cultural, economic, and recreational value to the community while urging increased investment in outdoor activities and conservation. It does not change federal law but serves as a formal expression of local support for keeping the land under federal management.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly opposes privatization and removal of federal forest lands, aiming to protect natural resources and conservation.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · Louisiana · House Jun 3, 2026

HR 358: RAILROADS: Urges and requests the Department of Transportation and Development to communicate with certain railroad companies to address abandoned and blighted railroads

This resolution asks the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to talk with specific railroad companies about fixing abandoned and unsafe railroad tracks in several northwest Louisiana parishes. The bill highlights that old tracks and ties create hazards like tripping risks and soil contamination from chemicals, urging officials to work with local governments to remove or clean up these sites. The department must share contact information with local authorities and report its progress to the House Transportation Committee by January 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill addresses soil contamination hazards from abandoned railroads and urges cleanup, directly protecting the environment.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill urges fixing abandoned and unsafe railroad tracks to remove hazards, directly enhancing transportation safety and infrastructure.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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signed · Louisiana · Senate Jun 2, 2026

SB 367: WATER MANAGEMENT: Creates the Watershed Restoration and Conservation Fund. (8/1/26) (EN INCREASE SD EX See Note)

SB 367 creates Louisiana's Watershed Conservation Fund to support restoration of lands and watersheds damaged by sand and stone mining. The fund is financed by remaining severance tax revenues from these mining operations after other required allocations (like coastal protection funds). It directly affects eligible watershed management entities that meet specific criteria, such as having statutory floodplain management authority and a governing board with parish representation and relevant expertise. Funds will be used for reclaiming abandoned mining sites, reducing flood risks in vulnerable areas, and improving water quality in impaired watersheds. The secretary of the department must annually report fund administration to relevant legislative committees.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates Watershed Conservation Fund for restoring lands/watersheds damaged by mining, funded by mining severance taxes, directly advancing environmental conservation and restoration efforts.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 1, 2026

HB 1258: WILDLIFE & FISHERIES: Provides with respect to seizure of sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife

This bill establishes a new process for handling sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife seized by Louisiana authorities for unlawful possession. It mandates that the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries prioritize releasing healthy animals into the wild or placing injured ones with licensed rehabilitators, zoos, or sanctuaries whenever possible. Euthanasia is strictly limited to situations where no other viable options exist, such as when an animal is suffering from a life-threatening disease or injury, or when release is legally prohibited and no suitable facility is available. The law also requires that any necessary euthanasia follow current American Veterinary Medical Association guidelines to ensure humane treatment.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill strengthens wildlife conservation by prioritizing rehabilitation and limiting euthanasia, directly protecting natural resources.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

passed both · Louisiana · Senate Jun 1, 2026

SCR 69: AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES: To urge and request the American Sugarcane League, LSU AgCenter, and Southern University Agricultural Center, in collaboration with agricultural manufacturers, to continue work on furthering technology and research into equipment to reduce the dependency of burning sugarcane.

This bill is a non-binding resolution that asks the American Sugarcane League, LSU AgCenter, and Southern University Agricultural Center to keep researching new equipment that reduces the need to burn sugarcane fields after harvest. The request specifically targets these organizations and agricultural manufacturers to develop technology that addresses air quality and soil health concerns while maintaining efficient farming practices. As a procedural measure, the resolution does not create new laws or regulations but instead formally encourages ongoing collaborative work on this specific agricultural issue.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill urges research to reduce sugarcane burning, improving air quality and soil health, which aligns with advancing clean energy and reducing fossil fuel dependence.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill urges research to reduce sugarcane burning, directly addressing air quality and pollution concerns.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly urges and requests continued work on technology and research to reduce sugarcane burning dependency.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · Louisiana · House Jun 1, 2026

HCR 85: ENVIRONMENT/LITTERING: Creates a task force on illegal dumping

This bill establishes a task force to investigate and address illegal dumping in Louisiana. The primary mechanism involves appointing members to this group to study the problem and develop recommendations for prevention and cleanup. The text also includes specific amendments to ensure the New Orleans mayor and governor are included in the task force's composition. By creating this committee, the legislation aims to bring focused attention to littering issues without mandating immediate new laws or penalties.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates a task force to investigate illegal dumping and develop cleanup recommendations, directly addressing pollution control and environmental protection.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · Louisiana · Senate Jun 1, 2026

SCR 29: WATER QUALITY: Creates a joint legislative committee to study and make recommendations relative to the water quality of the Atchafalaya Basin.

This bill proposes the creation of a joint legislative committee to study water quality issues within the Atchafalaya Basin. The committee would be tasked with investigating the current state of the water and providing recommendations to the legislature. By establishing this group, the bill aims to focus attention on environmental concerns specific to this region without immediately changing existing laws. The measure is currently being reviewed by state committees and has not yet been enacted into law.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes a committee to study water quality, indicating intent to address and potentially improve environmental conditions in the Atchafalaya Basin.75% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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